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Rick Mikkelson posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
I was sad to learn just today (10/30/24) that my friend and colleague Paul Heller had died. He was one of the finest men I've known. Quiet and thoughtful, he had a keen mind and was a gifted artist, writer and art administrator. He was an exemplary, long-tenured art chairperson, and I relied greatly on his knowledge and wisdom in my own shorter chairing at SUNY Plattsburgh. I also had the pleasure of learning from him in the Council of Art Dept Chairpersons, where his leadership was extraordinary. Hundreds of art students unknowingly benefited from the guidance he brought to SUNY art programs across the state. Though distance and retirements meant we lost contact over the years, I am so sad to know he is gone. But I take pleasure that his life was long, and full, and a blessing to so many others.
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Vince Stanin posted a condolence
Friday, September 4, 2020
ahhh my mentor.... Dr Hepler was wonderful! He helped steer me to the U.S. Army Stripes for Skills program as an Arts and Crafts Specialist back in 1975.. the best defining experience of my life! so grateful to have known him. Bless him!
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Johnnie Ferrell posted a condolence
Friday, August 7, 2020
I did not know of Paul's passing until today. I am so sorry Shirley and family. Paul was always so gracous with my wife Crystal and I from the beginning when we arrived in 1990. He loved to talk about theatre and architecture with me and frequently brought by clippings from a magazine or the Times about some kind of technical theatre innovation. In the early years on a Saturday night, I would find him and Miss Shirley working on one of her doll houses in the wood studio. Crystal and I admired their bond and I think it influenced our relationship in our early marriage as well. I'm sorry we haven't seen each other more, but I treasure he and Miss Shirley in my heart. Peace, love, light and love to you all.
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Elaine Bennett lit a candle
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
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Dr Hepler was one if my favorite art professors at SUNY Geneseo. I will miss seeing him in the Memorial Day parade.
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Mary Ann Fink posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
We first met Paul Hepler and his family when my husband, Dan, interviewed for a position in the SUNY Geneseo Art Department, fresh out of graduate school in 1972. Paul became advisor, mentor and family friend. He even carved time out of a hectic schedule as professor, department chair and community member to accompany Dan on trips to admire and photograph the giant steam engines at East Broadtop in the chill of a Pennsylvania February. We could count on seeing him on our doorstep each December delivering personal Christmas greetings. The Geneseo community will miss him.
Mary Ann Fink
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Rosalie Scicglone Pullara posted a condolence
Monday, August 3, 2020
One of my cherished memories at Geneseo was the art course Dr. Hepler taught. He made the art room the creative place such an environment should be. Because of his presentations and warm manner which motivated me, I devoted many extra hours to my art projects. I can never forget his comforting words and demeanor when I dropped a clay pot just before firing it. That experience formed the basis of a short story I later wrote.
Of the faculty at that time, I saw him at the top. He was knowledgeable, talented and giving. Paul Hepler lives on in many of our minds and hearts. About that I have no doubt.
Rosalie Scicglone Pullara 1961
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Suzanne Legrett posted a condolence
Saturday, August 1, 2020
I used to babysit for the Heplers where Shirley taught be how to make Rice Krispy Treats. I took an art class from Paul many moons ago. Such a wonderful family I am so sorry to hear of Pauls passing. Your neighbor from Second Street Suzanne Park LeGrett
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Jerry and Kate Alonzo posted a condolence
Thursday, July 30, 2020
I have the warmest memories of Paul and what he did to help me out at a time of transition. Back in the early/mid 80s I was in Paul's Art Dept office talking with him about my desire to leave law and go to art school. I needed lots of undergrad art credits before I could apply to the School for American Crafts at RIT. First Paul told me I was nuts and then promptly helped me with a plan to study at SUNY Geneseo as a non traditional student taking art courses while still working. Paul had been at SUNY Geneseo for many years by that time and helped me to be a fully participating student while continuing my law practice on a scaled back schedule. I did go to RIT and Paul was with me all the way. Paul was so kind, a good friend, a great educator and a fine, fine woodworker. Kate and I are so sorry Shirley and family for your loss of Paul.
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Bill and Marjory Shipman posted a condolence
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Bill and I remember our years in Geneseo. Bill taught in the Art Dept. and worked with Paul. He was a great Chairman. Our family also got to spend time with Eric, Holli, Leah and Paula. Loved Shirley and her art work too! We're sending our condolences to you all as you grieve and honor this special man.
Bill and Marge Shipman
Greenville, S C
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Robert Bush lit a candle
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
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My deepest condolences to Shirlee Hepler.
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Robert Bush lit a candle
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
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Dr Paul Hepler was and is the best father-in-law I could ever dream of. He has left this temporal realm for his eternal home with his creator., and he’s more alive in Heaven than we can imagine. The sweetest, kindest, and most intelligent and interesting person I’ve ever known. His daughter Holli is my wife and she’s much like him! Deepest condolences to Eric Hepler and family, Paula Skaarup & her family, and Leah Hepler who is Holli’s twin sister.
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Barbi and Steve Partlow posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Prayers for comfort and peace for the Hepler family during this difficult time. May the love and perfect peace of Christ enfold you all as you grieve. With love, from Barbi and Steve Partlow, Richmond VA
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Matt Griffo posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
My sincere condolences to Paul's family and friends. I will miss Paul's straight forward advice and wisdom. He was truly a pillar of the community and takes with him unmatched wisdom.
When I had a question relating to Village business, Paul would sit and listen and then give sage advice on how to proceed. After he spoke he would say something like "you hear me" I think that little statement was to make sure you understood his point of view. He never forced his opinion, he would simply make sure you knew where he was coming from.
I will miss Paul and always appreciate his time in Geneseo.
Matt Griffo
P.S. If I didn't quote Paul correctly please let me know what that little follow-up statement was. I don't want to forget it.
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Kathy Trainor posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Our condolences to Shirley and family. Paul was a mentor to me (Kathy Trainor) because he supervised the Fine Arts but he also advised on the development of the College Union, later named for Robert W. MacVittie. He tried to teach me so much about his woodworking, and I came to appreciate all the different qualities of the wood he worked with (we had a craft shop during the early years of the Union. He was proud of Geneseo and the College, and he was always willing to assist Hop (Hop Manapol) when he was asking for input about Long Point Park and the Museum or other Town Board projects. We remember his love of country, participating in Memorial Day festivities when he could. And those beautiful windows at Christmas time - such a life well lived! Rest in peace Paul. -- Kathy Trainor and Hop Manapol
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John Dingwell posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
It was a privilege to Know Paul. We pray that God will be with the Hepler family during this time. He will be missed by many but his spirit will live on in Heaven for eternity. John & Jody Dingwell
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Mark Farruggia posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
My condolences to the Helper family, it was a honor knowing Paul over the years.
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The family of Paul H. Hepler uploaded a photo
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
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111 Main Street - Geneseo, NY 14454 - Phone: 585-243-0995 - Fax : 585-243-0984 - rhfhinc@frontiernet.net